Which organ is primarily responsible for detoxification and metabolism?

The liver is primarily responsible for detoxification and metabolism due to its unique structure and function. It plays a central role in processing various substances, including drugs, alcohol, and metabolic waste products. Specialized liver cells, called hepatocytes, contain enzymes that facilitate the chemical modification of toxins, making them less harmful or preparing them for excretion.

In addition to detoxification, the liver is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. For instance, it helps maintain blood glucose levels by converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage and converting glycogen back into glucose when needed. It also synthesizes important proteins such as albumin and clotting factors.

The other options, while crucial for overall body function, have different primary roles. The lungs are involved mainly in gas exchange and oxygenating blood, the kidneys are chiefly responsible for filtering waste from the blood and regulating water and electrolyte balance, and the heart's function is primarily to pump blood throughout the body. Thus, these organs do not share the liver's specific focus on detoxification and metabolic processes.